A poll of 2,000 adults found the places across the UK most gripped by World Cup fever – with some surprising entries making the top 10
London has been crowned the most World Cup-obsessed city across Britain, with Liverpool following closely behind.
Research involving 2,000 adults identified which locations throughout the nation are most captivated by the football competition. The findings show that 80% of London residents are already watching or intend to watch the matches going forward, while those from Liverpool weren’t far behind at 78%, though both figures were well above the national average of 68%.
One in five (21%) revealed they’ll be organising or attending watching parties for the rest of the competition. Additionally, 36% of London said they would cry if their country got knocked out, more than in any other city.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Bristol residents showed the least enthusiasm, with only 58% intending to follow the tournament.
The study was carried out by Free Bets. Dominic Celica from the company commented: “Football fever doesn’t hit the same everywhere, and in some cities, it completely takes over. It’s not a surprise to see London high up on the list given the rich football heritage in the city.
“The tournament generally brings people together, but it’s clear people still want to watch it alone to take in the action and make their own decisions in peace.”
Four in ten said their preferred location for watching matches was at home with family, while 20% prefer to experience the drama alone. A further 16% insisted there’s nowhere quite like the pub.
Nearly one in five (18%) have contemplated calling in sick or missing work to view the tournament and 13% have booked leave. A quarter have reorganised commitments to attempt to watch the match, with 30% abandoning gym appointments.
The Freebets.com World Cup survey, conducted via OnePoll.com, discovered 32% would prefer to see their nation lift the trophy than their own club, and 18% confessed they have wept because their country won or lost at a major tournament.
If their nation were to triumph, 15% said they would be ‘absolutely ecstatic’, but surprisingly 2% said they don’t want their country to win at all.
Dominic Celica, added: “The World Cup is one of the most captivating events on the sporting calendar, and when your team goes further in the tournament, it’s no surprise to see how willing people are to cancel plans.
“The kick-off times are presenting clear difficulties for those at work, with many resorting to booking time off or even pulling sickies – although it wouldn’t be too believable if you were pulling a sickie the morning after a late game. “.
THE 10 CITIES WHERE MOST PEOPLE ARE WATCHING THE WORLD CUP.
- London.
- Liverpool.
- Chelmsford.
- Newcastle.
- Manchester.
- Birmingham.
- Oxford.
- Cardiff.
- Belfast.
- Gloucester.